The state Department of Health’s Clean Air Branch has issued Notices of Violation and Order against the military and four companies, including one on the Big Island.
All responsible parties have or had the option to request a hearing to contest their alleged violations and penalties, according to a DOH press release.
“DOH ensures that companies comply with state and federal emission standards to minimize air pollution,” said Deputy Director of Environmental Health Kathleen Ho in the release. “We will continue to hold companies accountable to protect public health and our environment.”
There are the six companies/entities for air permit violations:
— Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corporation in Keaau for various air permit violations on its boilers and diesel engine generators. A fine of $28,300 has been paid.
— Hawaiian Cement at Camp 6, Puunene and Waikapu, Maui, for various air permit violations on their 653 tons per hour aggregate processing facility and 800 TPH portable crushing/screening plant. A fine of $13,300 has been paid.
— Road and Highway Builders in Kapolei, Oahu, for not conducting 2018 and 2019 annual source performance tests on its 400 tons per hour portable drum mix asphalt plant. A fine of $6,900 has been paid.
— Marine Corps Base Hawaii, in Kaneohe, Oahu, for installing a boiler without a valid air permit and submitting a late semi-annual monitoring report. A fine of $6,900 has been issued and a hearing is being requested.
— Hawaii Air National Guard, at Pearl Harbor, Oahu, for exceeding its 12-month rolling limit of jet fuel and beginning construction or modification of its 3rd Low Observable Composite Repair Facility Bay without a valid air permit. A fine of $11,800 has been paid.
— Par Hawaii Refining in Kapolei, Oahu, for various air permit violations at its petroleum refinery. Par indicated that it would pay a fine of $42,700.
In general, fines are assessed to remove any economic benefit a company may have gained by not complying with their permit requirements, the DOH said. All fines are paid into a revolving fund that helps prevent or minimize damage to the environment.